Engineering student studying flight physics of birds

When I was young, I would often go plane spotting whenever possible. I remember I used to get very excited when I saw space exploration documentaries on TV.

Later, I realized I could turn this fascination into a career, so I chose mechanical engineering for my undergraduate degree. As aerospace engineering was not directly available at the time in Nepal, I chose it as my minor.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked as a design engineer on a fixed wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for medical delivery in the hilly region of Nepal. There, I realized my interest in dynamics and control, which led me to pursue a graduate degree in aerospace engineering, focusing on dynamics and control. 

In my research, I focus on studying the application of unconventional control techniques in bio-inspired systems of UAVs. My work can be divided into two main parts: theoretical developments and applications. On the theoretical front, I work nonlinear control techniques, particularly Extremum Seeking Control, which is a model-free, adaptive control technique. I aim to develop tools to better analyze and improve the structures of such control systems for real-life applications. On the application front, I explore the flight physics of soaring birds, which fly long distances without flapping their wings. I investigate whether we can mimic the optimized flight of these birds in UAVs by examining the relationship between extremum seeking control and their flight patterns. 

What inspires me most about this research is the opportunity to push the boundaries of current literature and bridge the gap between theory and practice.

I'm driven by the prospect of developing novel control techniques that are versatile and less dependent on specific models. Furthermore, if we can replicate the dynamic soaring flight maneuver of birds, it could lead to substantial technological advancements in UAVs. Imagine the possibility of flying UAVs for hundreds of kilometers like soaring birds.

This perspective is truly miraculous and motivates me to continue exploring and innovating in this field. 

Academically, I'm proud to have published my research work in prestigious journals such as the SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics, the International Journal of Control, Automation and Systems, and Bioinspiration and Biomimetics.

I believe these publications have not only validated my research efforts but have also contributed to the academic community. Moreover, presenting my research at conferences like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics SciTech, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Conference of Control and its Applications, and the SIAM Conference on Life Science was immensely beneficial. 

These experiences allowed me to share my work with peers and experts while simultaneously providing me with valuable learning and networking opportunities.

Additionally, participating in events like the Graduate Student Mathematical Modeling Camp and the Mathematical Problems in Industry Workshop 2023 helped me experience practical industry problems. The time I spent with bright minds during the brainstorming sessions is something I will never forget.

Also, I'd like to give a huge shoutout to the UC Piloting Club for providing me with a real flying experience by putting me in the co-pilot seat of a real airplane. All of these experiences have been instrumental and impactful in shaping my academic and personal journey during my time at the university. 

I expect to graduate in the summer of 2024 and hope to get experience in industry before returning to academia. I also love to travel and experience new things. Traveling provides the necessary break between projects and reenergizes me for my upcoming work. I also love watching and playing sports, especially soccer, which I play on a regular basis. 

Featured image at top: UAV flying. Photo/pixabay